Gary's '66

Going to have my seats recovered this winter so I stopped by a highly recommended upholstery shop today to get a game plan together.

During our discussion I pointed out that I'm concerned that when new padding is installed, I plan on using AK vinyl covers and padding unless you guys convince me otherwise, that I'll lose a lot of headroom in my '66 coupe (I currently have about 2" from top of head to headliner now) with the new padding.

When I asked him about this I couldn't really get a definitive answer except that yes, I will sit a bit higher but that's about all he could/would say.

If I use new foam BUT don't replace the springs would that help? I mentioned removing/slicing a slab off the bottom pad but he didn't seem to like that idea.

Does anyone have suggestions/solutions to my quandary?

Gary

TCracingCA

You have a reason to put on some extra weight now to better compress the thick foam!

OK sorry, upholstery shops are a pain in the Rear! You would be better to source your own foam from a Corvette outfit and then find a shop that will not whine and throw trantrums!

SI67

Gary,

Have you talked to Mr. Stitch (www.mrstitch.com) in San Mateo? It's about a two-hour drive from Wilton. I have no personal experience with them yet, but from their web site, you can bring your own materials, and they do custom work. Maybe they can address your concern. If they ARE the shop you've visited, I'm out of ideas.

gilbybarr

Yep, you will lose some headroom and sit higher with new foam. The "buns" on my seats are 25 years old now (restored in 1990) and still fresh and high compared to some other well worn in midyear seats I have sat on. The '65 has only been driven about 5,000 miles in those years so they are still fresh in that sense. I am 6'4" and just clear the headliner still though.

Scott Marzahl

I used the AK foam after hearing about folks not being happy with the density and height of the CA foam. The AK was very nice to install and is definitely not a hard foam..

Gary's '66

Thanks for the info guys.

TC: Not gonna gain weight, I'm a svelte 6'1" 200 pounder.

SI67: Thanks for the info, I'll keep him in mind.

gilbybarr: I put on close to 5000 miles in one year and am 3" shorter so that's encouraging.

Scott: Now that's what I want to hear! What about the question of using my current original springs? Yea or nay.

Anything anyone else can add will be appreciated.

Gary

MrPbody

Maybe I have an unusual case (a GOOD upholstery guy), but I have a local upholstery guru that does my work and he always recommends against the pre-fab foam in these cars for that reason. he builds up varying densities for different areas of the seat. this is the guy that did my 62, and I'm 6'2" 220 yet fit comfortably in it. the seat base looks tight, with no-one sitting on it, but the softer foam lets me settle right in like a cat in the lap. on my 62 he used the original springs, but replaced some spring clips here and there.

Russ

Pilot Dan

Gary,

Speak to Al Knock's about that. I know they have come up with some specially designed seats for tall people. They may be able to supply you with a thinner version of the foam or even do your seats for you to your specs. They make all their own stuff and were very accommodating when I was working on the 64 and needed some individual pieces . Pilot Dan

ps: I just checked and I see they are going to be in Pomona CA on Dec. 6, 7. Don't know how far you are, but you may be able to arrange for a show install and save shipping.

Scott Marzahl

Can't help you with the springs Gary. Mine were broken or missing so I installed new ones. I'm 6'3" 200, and don't have head clearance issues in my convertible with the new AK parts.

Gary's '66

Thanks, I'll contact them prior to placing my order. Thought about having them do my seats but wouldn't there be a substantial shipping cost? Thought about going to Pomona but it's about 300 miles away so probably cost the same to drive down there as shipping.

Gary's '66

No broken springs, so I think I might reuse my old ones.

Pilot Dan

It would be a fun day from what I hear, and you would see some nice cars + a great swap meet.

Gary's '66

It does sound awfully tempting Dan. If perchance, I were to go, how does one go about having their seats done at one of these events? I would assume an appointment in advance would have to be set up is that right?

Gary

ricks327

Not really appropriate to your issue but in case others are having issues with new foam. I faced the same issue and because of a winter of no driving, I put (2) 50 pound bags of sand on the seat during the non-driving season and come the following spring the seats were more comfortable.
Rick

Gary's '66

Thanks Rick, I'll have to remember that trick, just on the in case.

Gary

Pilot Dan

YES. Don't wait too long to schedule, they only do a few at the show each day.

Frankie the Fink

Al Knoch did my C1 seats at the NCRS meet in Kissimmee, FL a few years back -- it took them all day for both seats but I bolted them right in and drove the car home afterwards. It was interesting to watch their tech working away at the seats and made me glad I didn't attempt it myself. I scheduled about a month before the show...